Oral Answers to Questions

Kim Johnson Excerpts

Monday 2nd November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

What support his Department is providing to veterans’ charities during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Kim Johnson (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab)]

What support his Department is providing to veterans’ charities during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab)]

What support his Department is providing to veterans’ charities during the covid-19 outbreak.

--- Later in debate ---

[Johnny Mercer]

I pay tribute to Tony and all of the team at Forward Assist, who do an incredible job in the north-east and are a good template for others to follow across the country. More money is going into veterans’ mental health than ever before, in terms of the transition liaison service, the complex treatment centre and the high intensity service that we are bringing on board later this year. We are always happy to look at doing more, but I am confident: the need is expanding and we are meeting a great deal of it at this time.

[Kim Johnson]

The Liverpool Veterans headquarters has seen a significant increase in demand for its services throughout this pandemic and especially for mental health support. This situation is likely to worsen in the coming months and the support this local charity offers will be in greater demand. The resources it has are stretched beyond capacity and the £6 million just alluded to is not enough. Can the Minister explain how he will redress this shortfall?